Ceuta and the larger Spanish territory of Melilla that is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) further south, are located on the northern shores of the Mediterranean coast at the tip of Africa.
Both autonomous cities belong to Spain and share the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.
Ceuta has been in Spanish possession since 1580
It is home to a mixed population of Christians and Muslims, and Spanish and Moroccan residents and day workers who live in relative harmony.
Morocco does not officially recognize Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish territory, and often refers to them as occupied lands.